Wind Analyst Interview

The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails ; the technocrat builds the wind turbinesDeeshith Jain, our next pathbreaker, Senior Wind Analyst at COWI (Denmark), is responsible for technical due diligence of operating wind turbines, site suitability evaluations for wind farms, and optimization of wind farms and turbines, both onshore and offshore.Deeshith talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about his initial years and significant decisions that influenced his career in the direction of the wind For students, Wind Energy has the potential to shape not only our future but your future career as well Deeshith, tell us about your initial years ?First of all, I am very thankful and happy that you have picked me for your inspiring platform to motivate people through my interview.I was born on October 8, 1989, in the enchanting town of Kalasa, Chikmagalur. I grew up in Kudremukh, a vibrant mining township, where I had the opportunity to witness the marvels of mechanical engineering firsthand. My father, Y. Prem Kumar, worked as a mechanical contractor in KIOCL, Kudremukh, while my mother, Bhagya, took care of our home and also ran a small fancy shop in the town.I am a Senior Wind Analyst with over 12 years of professional experience in the wind industry. Throughout my career, I have worked as a Team Lead and Senior Wind Engineer for several major projects with the wind turbine suppliers Enercon, Suzlon, Senvion and Vestas R&D. I am presently working as Senior wind analyst at COWI A/S, Denmark. I completed my graduation in Mechanical Engineering from BCE, Shravanabelagola (affiliated to VTU). I grew up in the Western ghats of South India. My general Hobbies are Swimming, Trekking to high altitudes, Water yoga (Padmasana), & my technical interests are in design of machines, flow modeling & atmospheric physics.My parents are content to live in Kalasa, Chikmagalur, and spend their time relaxing on India's western ghats. My wife, Dr. Aishwarya Jain, and I are expecting our first child in August 2023.I've always wanted to join the Indian Army as an Engineering officer and live a higher rank of life and military discipline. The Indian Army Service Selection Board rejected me several times for various technical and medical reasons. Later on, with enthusiasm and drive, I chose the vocation that presented itself to me.My childhood was spent in the municipality of Kudremukh, which is situated in India's western ghats. The wonderful scenery around me encouraged me to get interested in nature and the environment. My current job heavily promotes environmental and natural conservation, which makes me very happy.What did you do for graduation/post-graduation?As a higher-medium scholar student, I graduated from Giri Jyothi Convent School in Kudremukh. Later, as my interest in machines grew, I decided to seek a degree in mechanical engineering. I have always aspired to be an IIT scholar, but my attention and study resolve were insufficient to get admission into IIT.In another significant chapter of my life, I had the opportunity to participate in the SSB (Services Selection Board) interview for the Indian Army. I successfully made it through various stages, reaching the final stage of the selection process. Unfortunately, I faced obstacles in the medical examinations and had to withdraw from the process after two attempts.While obtaining my education, I had no specific professional ambitions other than wanting to become an officer in the Indian Army. I was fortunate to receive a strong education from engineering school, which aided in the development of technical skills required to pursue my current professional employment.Alongside my professional journey, I am pursuing a Project Management Certification from IIT Delhi, which enhances my skills and equips me with valuable expertise in managing complex projects.Can you tell us about key influences and decisions that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional and unusual career?From a young age, I developed a keen interest in mechanical engineering, inspired by the surroundings I grew up in. Upon completing my schooling, I pursued my passion for mechanical engineering and enrolled in a Mechanical Engineering undergrad program.During my undergraduate studies, I found myself particularly drawn to the subjects of fluid mechanics and the dynamics of machines. I excelled in these areas and was fascinated by the intricate workings of fluids and machinery. While I enjoyed these subjects immensely, I found myself slightly less interested in Thermodynamics and management-related topics.In my eighth semester of engineering, I was fortunate to secure a placement at Enercon India Ltd., a renowned wind energy company. Starting as a Graduate Engineer Trainee in the Wind Resource Department, this opportunity allowed me to delve into the world of wind energy and paved the way for a promising career in the field.My initial job assignment was in Daman, Gujarat, which was eventually relocated to Bangalore. My job function was initially uninteresting to me because it was a desk job with little opportunities to interact with machines. I was unhappy studying the wind during my early career, so I started exploring other avenues such as fashion modeling, cinema, air-host/steward, supermarket company, and so on. When nothing else worked, I began to accept the desk job and devised numerous exercises to make it enjoyable and exciting.Can you tell us about your career path?Driven by my thirst for knowledge and personal growth, I embarked on preparing for post-graduation and set my sights on cracking the GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) exam. With dedicated study and hard work, I achieved success in the exam. However, despite my accomplishments, I was unable to pursue post-graduation due to certain circumstances.Building on my experience, I joined SUZLON as a Team Leader in South India. This position enabled me to not only manage teams but also oversee wind measurement assets and contribute to wind measurement campaigns in the region. Recognizing my dedication and leadership abilities, the company honoured me with the Best Team Leader award in the fiscal year 2016.Continuing my journey, I reached new heights in my career when I joined Vestas, a global leader in wind turbine manufacturing. As a Wind Resource Assessment Specialist , I took on the responsibility of evaluating the wind resources in Eastern Europe and conducting offshore assessments. This role involved intricate wind analysis and assessing the suitability of wind turbine sites.How did you get your first break?My first break was through campus placement .Can you tell us about your current role?Presently, I am working as a Senior Wind Analyst at COWI in Denmark. In this role, I am entrusted with critical tasks such as wind resource assessment, technical due diligence of operating wind turbines, site suitability evaluations for wind farms, and optimization of wind farms and turbines, both onshore and offshore.Wind energy has given me the opportunity to work on major projects for top clients all around the world throughout the years, and I continue to believe that wind is written in my destiny. I began to absorb the business culture without sacrificing the excellent level of living that I had always desired. Through their motivational presentations, I stayed inspired by the top professionals in the business.I met several highly qualified professionals, however I'd like to highlight Mr. M P Ramesh from my first employment, who continues to be my greatest inspiration which is responsible for my increased technical and managerial skills. He worked as a scientist at NAL and as the Director of NIWE (National Institute of Wind Energy). We still converse on the phone about things that aren't technical.After 11 years of working with various wind manufacturing businesses in India, I relocated to Denmark to take on a more responsibility role.When you are dissatisfied with your job, it is an opportunity to focus on it-and become an expert.Future Plans?Throughout my 13-year career, I have experienced both ups and downs, which have instilled discipline and adaptability within me. Although I initially aspired to work in the manufacturing industry, my path led me to desk jobs that didn't align with my true interests. Looking ahead, I have a plan to transition away from the corporate world when I turn 40 and establish a resort in the serene and beautiful surroundings of Kudremukh, disconnecting from the corporate hustle.In conclusion, my journey has been shaped by my passion for mechanical engineering and wind energy, as well as the invaluable experiences and opportunities that have come my way. I am eager to embrace new challenges, expand my knowledge, and make a positive impact in the field of renewable energy.#J-18808-Ljbffr